Pupils bid a fond farewell to sports teacher Chris Dight

The head of boys PE at Harrogate independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor has hung up his sports kit and retired after 13 years in the role.

Pupils, staff and parents bid a fond farewell to Chris Dight, who has led the boys Games Department at the ‘outstanding’ co-educational school for more than a decade.

Since joining Belmont Grosvenor in 2003, Mr Dight has been instrumental in organising key sports events at the school including the invitational Cross Country event, which now sees 10 schools from across Yorkshire compete for the trophy, the school gym competition, for all pupils at Belmont Grosvenor, and the annual sports day.

Notable achievements during his 13 years at Belmont Grosvenor include the U11 football team making history by winning the Richmond House title for the first time this year, and the U9 rugby team taking the Cundall Manor title.

Mr Dight, who is a keen tennis player and worked for the Lawn Tennis Association for many years before joining the teaching staff Belmont Grosvenor School where his wife Pam is Deputy Head Teacher.

Mr Dight said:

As a relatively small, stand-alone prep school, we have achieved some notable sporting successes.

I’d like to think that I have helped inspire all of our prep school pupils to enjoy a wide range of sports from an early age, and to continue with it when they have moved onto their chosen secondary school and to go on to play at local sports clubs.

Mr Dight said he will miss life at Belmont Grosvenor, set in 20-acres of grounds on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. He will spend his retirement in sport – he’s a board member at Harrogate Spa Tennis Club, as well as a coach, and is commercial manager at Knaresborough Town Football Club.

Mr Dight said:

I have been so lucky to have worked in this beautiful environment – I don’t know whether it’s been a job or a hobby.

Mrs Jane Merriman, Headteacher said Mr Dight he had instilled a love of sport within many of the children.

Mrs Merriman said:

He has also inspired a number of boys to go onto great achievement and success within their chosen sports and we are grateful for his positive contribution to all areas of school life.